Dispute settlement made easier

China will step up efforts to prevent and settle medical disputes to better protect the interest of patients and health workers, according to a regulation promulgated on Aug 31.

The regulation, signed by Premier Li Keqiang, is aimed at maintaining order at medical institutions and ensuring medical security.

The regulation will take effect from Oct 1. It stipulates that medical institutions must provide diagnosis and treatment services centering on patients, and health professionals should offer more compassionate care.

They are also required to strictly observe relevant laws and norms as well as their professional ethics.

The regulation also requires intensified daily management to strengthen the quality of medical services and security and enhance risk prevention in key procedures. It also prioritizes the importance of communication between medical practitioners and patients to prevent disputes.

The regulation also clarifies the principles, ways and procedures to settle medical disputes, and stressed the important role of mediation in settling such disputes. It also clarifies the principles, approaches and procedures for settlements.

The regulation stipulates the legal liabilities for violations, such as failure to obey the security management requirements, issuing false laboratory reports or distributing inaccurate information on medical disputes.